Thimphu, Bhutan, April 4, 2025: The curtain fell on the Olympic Council of Asia-Olympic Solidarity Regional Forum with hosts Bhutan Olympic Committee calling for friendships forged over the last two days to endure for a lifetime.
BOC Secretary General Sonam Karma Tshering said the first-ever major sporting event hosted by the tiny Himalayan Kingdom was a beacon for hope.
“I truly believe we are all connected here. We shared stories, we learned from each other, and we built friendships that I hope will last a long time. It is clear that when sport is at its best, it really does bring us together and gives us hope,” Sonam Tshering said.
Delegates from 24 National Olympic Committees from East Asia, Southeast Asia and South Asia, went through a jam-packed programme which included presentations from the organisers of the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, the Bahrain Asian Youth Games later this year, and the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games Riyadh 2026.
A key feature over the two days was the Olympic Solidarity presentation by a team International Olympic Committee officials who gave delegates an overview of the funding cycle for 2025-2028, as well as the OCA’s continental programme which in 2025 has a budget of nearly US$8 million (for 45 NOCs) for eight different projects ranging from NOC activities to Athletes’ committee activities.
“The OCA and OS programmes have helped NOCs reach athletes who really need it, help them chase their dreams, and even helped them transition to life after sport,” BOC Secretary General Sonam Tshering noted.
“In Bhutan, we have also received help strengthening our NOC with better facilities and capacity development programmes for our coaches and administrators. We are trying to build a robust sports ecosystem that will enable every Bhutanese athlete to reach their fullest potential.”
Sonam Tshering continued: “It’s been an honour and privilege that the OCA and OS chose Bhutan for this forum. It really means a lot. And is a testament to the shared values and vision we hold for the future of sport in Asia and beyond. Even though we are a small country, our love for sport and the Olympic spirit – which aligns perfectly with our Gross National Happiness concept – is huge.
“We sincerely hope that during their brief stay, all delegates got to experience the tranquillity of our mountains and the warmth of our people. More importantly, we hope they found a renewed sense of purpose in our shared mission. May the discussions held here make a real difference, and the friendships forged, enduring,” Sonam Tshering added.
Vinod Kumar Tiwari, OCA Deputy Director General, thanked the Bhutan NOC for extending a warm hospitality and hoped all the NOC’s would take back with them crucial knowledge which will benefit their athletes.
Alongside the forum, the BOC also implemented the OCA’s ‘Asian Games for All’ three-pronged project – the Fun Run, Asian Youth Reporter and Art Competition – all aimed at raising awareness for next year’s Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
